How to Use Wifite for Automated WiFi Auditing

Introduction

Wifite is one of the most popular automated wireless penetration testing tools available to security professionals and hobbyists. It simplifies the WiFi auditing process by automating the complex workflows that typically require multiple command-line tools. Whether you’re conducting authorized security assessments or learning about wireless vulnerabilities, Wifite streamlines the entire process from network discovery to WPA/WPA2 cracking.

What Is Wifite?

Wifite is an automated WiFi penetration testing tool that wraps around established tools like Aircrack-ng, Reaver, and Cowpatty. It automates the process of discovering wireless networks, capturing handshakes, and attempting to crack passwords. The tool is designed for both speed and ease of use, eliminating the need to manually chain together multiple commands.

Key Features

• Automated network discovery and targeting
• Handshake capture with multiple methods
• WPA/WPA2 cracking using aircrack-ng, pyrit, or cowpatty
• WEP network attacks
• Four-way handshake optimization
• Customizable attack strategies and timeouts
• Support for wordlist-based and brute-force attacks

Prerequisites and Installation

Before using Wifite, ensure you have the following dependencies installed on your Linux system.

Required Tools

sudo apt update
sudo apt install aircrack-ng reaver cowpatty hashcat

Install Wifite

git clone https://github.com/derv82/wifite2.git
cd wifite2
sudo python3 setup.py install

Alternatively, on Kali Linux:

sudo apt install wifite2

Verify Installation

wifite --help

Setting Up Your Wireless Adapter

Wifite requires a wireless adapter capable of monitor mode. Most modern USB WiFi adapters support this, but onboard adapters rarely do.

Enable Monitor Mode

sudo airmon-ng check kill
sudo airmon-ng start wlan0

This creates a monitor interface (usually wlan0mon). Verify it’s working:

iwconfig | grep -i monitor

Running Your First Wifite Scan

Basic Network Discovery

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon

This command starts Wifite in default mode, scanning for nearby WiFi networks. The tool displays:

• Network SSID
• Signal strength
• Encryption type (WPA/WPA2/WEP)
• Number of clients connected

Targeting a Specific Network

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --essid "TargetNetwork" --bssid AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF

Replace the ESSID and BSSID with your target network details from the initial scan.

Capture and Crack Handshakes

Automated Handshake Capture

Wifite can automatically capture WPA/WPA2 handshakes when clients connect to the network:

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --crack

The --crack flag tells Wifite to attempt cracking after capturing a handshake.

Using a Custom Wordlist

For faster cracking success, provide a wordlist:

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --wordlist /path/to/wordlist.txt --crack

Popular wordlists include:

• /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt (on Kali Linux)
• /usr/share/wordlists/dirbuster/directory-list-2.3-medium.txt

Advanced Wifite Options

Attack Only WPA Networks

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --wpa

Increase Capture Timeout

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --handshake-timeout 60

Run Against Multiple Networks

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --all --crack

Deauthentication Attacks

Force clients to reconnect and expose handshakes:

sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --deauth 10

This sends 10 deauthentication packets to connected clients.

Understanding Wifite Output

When Wifite runs, you’ll see a numbered list of networks. Select your target by number. The tool then:

1. Switches to the target channel automatically
2. Waits for a four-way handshake (or forces disconnection)
3. Captures the handshake to a .cap file
4. Attempts to crack if --crack is enabled

Practical Example: Complete Workflow

Here’s a complete, realistic audit scenario:

# 1. Check and kill conflicting processes
sudo airmon-ng check kill

# 2. Enable monitor mode
sudo airmon-ng start wlan0

# 3. Start Wifite with cracking enabled
sudo wifite --interface wlan0mon --crack --wordlist /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt

# 4. Select target network by number
# 5. Wait for handshake or deauthentication
# 6. Wifite attempts to crack the password

Safety and Legal Considerations

Always remember:

• Only audit networks you own or have explicit written permission to test
• Unauthorized WiFi hacking is illegal in most jurisdictions
• Document all findings professionally
• Disclose vulnerabilities responsibly

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Monitor Mode Not Working

sudo airmon-ng check
sudo airmon-ng check kill

No Handshake Captured

• Ensure clients are actively connected to the target network
• Use the --deauth flag to force reconnections
• Increase the timeout with --handshake-timeout

Slow Cracking

• Use a smaller, more targeted wordlist
• Enable GPU acceleration if available
• Use Hashcat as your cracking backend for speed

Conclusion

Wifite is an indispensable tool for authorized WiFi security testing. Its automation capabilities save hours compared to manual command chaining, making it perfect for both learning and professional assessments. Start with low-risk networks in your own environment, master the tool’s workflows, and always maintain strict ethical standards when auditing wireless infrastructure.